Exodus 13:15
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 29
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 29
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִקְשָׁ֣ה
would hardly
H7185
הִקְשָׁ֣ה
would hardly
Strong's:
H7185
Word #:
3 of 29
properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)
פַרְעֹה֮
And it came to pass when Pharaoh
H6547
פַרְעֹה֮
And it came to pass when Pharaoh
Strong's:
H6547
Word #:
4 of 29
paroh, a general title of egyptian kings
לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒
let us go
H7971
לְשַׁלְּחֵנוּ֒
let us go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 29
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לַֽיהוָ֗ה
that the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֗ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 29
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אָדָ֖ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
13 of 29
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
14 of 29
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
of beast
H929
בְּהֵמָ֑ה
of beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
16 of 29
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 29
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֩
H3651
כֵּן֩
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
18 of 29
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
זֹבֵ֜חַ
therefore I sacrifice
H2076
זֹבֵ֜חַ
therefore I sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
20 of 29
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
לַֽיהוָ֗ה
that the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֗ה
that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
21 of 29
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
22 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פֶּ֤טֶר
all that openeth
H6363
פֶּ֤טֶר
all that openeth
Strong's:
H6363
Word #:
23 of 29
a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)
הַזְּכָרִ֔ים
being males
H2145
הַזְּכָרִ֔ים
being males
Strong's:
H2145
Word #:
25 of 29
properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
26 of 29
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
This formulaic answer became part of Jewish Passover liturgy. Reciting redemption history to each generation ensured corporate memory persisted across centuries.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regularly rehearsing God's past deliverances strengthen faith for present challenges?
- What does grounding worship in specific historical events rather than abstract principles teach about biblical faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The historical recitation 'when Pharaoh would hardly let us go' recalls Egyptian resistance. The judgment 'the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt' included both human and beast, demonstrating comprehensive divine sovereignty. The conclusion 'therefore I sacrifice' and 'redeem' shows that practice rooted in history maintains meaning. Present obedience flows from past deliverance—gratitude, not merit, motivates worship.